Blockage of the small bowel, or small bowel obstruction, is a blockage in the small intestine that impedes the normal passage of fluid and digested material. The blockage is categorized as partial or complete. Most partial small bowel obstructions resolve with no treatment, whereas the majority of complete small bowel obstructions require treatment.
Causes
The most common causes of small bowel obstruction are intestinal adhesions, tumors and hernias. Intestinal adhesions are small bands of fibrous tissue that can be present at birth or form after an intestinal surgery. These bands force areas of the small intestine to close, blocking passage of digested materials, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tumors are located directly in the small intestine and cause a physical blockage. Hernias cause the intestine to move into other parts of the body, which can cause it to get caught and form a loop that hinders passage. Other less common causes of small bowel obstruction include diverticulitis, gallstones, impacted feces and ingested foreign objects, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Symptoms
Symptoms of small bowel obstruction include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal swelling, abdominal tenderness, bad breath, fever or constipation. Shock and a decrease in urine production indicate a more serious obstruction, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Small bowel obstruction is a dangerous condition. If you experience any symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Diagnosis
Small bowel obstructions are diagnosed through a series of X-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans. The doctor can determine visually if there is a partial or complete obstruction. She may also use a stethoscope to listen for bowel sounds. High-pitched sounds can indicate the beginning stages of a blockage; the absence of bowel sounds can indicate a complete blockage, according to Medline Plus.
Treatment
The first stages of treatment involve hospitalization accompanied by intravenous fluids and a nasogastric tube--inserted through the nose and extending to the stomach--which removes air and fluid from the intestine and allows the intestine to move, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the case of a partial obstruction, the nasogastric tube is generally the only medical intervention needed. If a complete obstruction is diagnosed, immediate intestinal surgery is required.
Complications
If left untreated, small bowel obstruction can cause serious complications that may be fatal. Obstruction can result in an inability to absorb nutrients into the body, causing nausea, vomiting and severe dehydration. These result in shock. Obstruction can also cause a blockage in blood supply to the intestine, which can cause tissue death. Tissue death can result in a tear in the intestinal wall, which leads to an infection of the abdominal cavity, called peritonitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Peritonitis is life-threatening.
